WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray expressed his admiration for how the May 28 episode of AEW Dynamite started, featuring Hangman Page, Will Ospreay, and Swerve Strickland. During a recent “Busted Open Radio” segment, Ray highlighted the positive impact this moment had on Hangman Page. He noted that even though Page didn’t get much recognition from AEW fans initially because he was focused on John Moxley and the AEW World Championship, this particular segment was “The Rub” that helped.
Ray recounted how Ospreay pointed to Hangman Page while telling Swerve, “People are beginning to believe us again. It’s not my fault, it’s his fault,” emphasizing Page’s rising status. Ospreay referred to Page as a “hangman,” and this subtle interaction helped solidify Ospreay’s position in AEW, portraying him as a key figure. According to Ray, Ospreay represents AEW strongly and supports the narrative of learning and believing in their stories, contributing to the audience’s renewed faith in them.
The respect between Ospreay and Page goes beyond on-screen performances, with both competitors genuinely rooting for each other’s success, particularly in high-stakes matches like “Double or Nothing.”
Fan Take: This recognition by Bully Ray underscores a shift in AEW’s storytelling, where genuine character development and mutual respect among top stars create stronger fan investment. For AEW enthusiasts, these moments enhance the sport’s depth, offering thrilling narratives that build future main-event stars.
